By: Christine Souders, csouders@cbs4qc.com

The City of Davenport wants to clean up some area neighborhoods, and that means tearing down abandoned homes.

More than 50 houses in Davenport are scheduled to be demolished this year.

Some were damaged by flood, while others were left to rot by their owners.

Davenport Alderman Bill Boom said the houses that are boarded up, some with broken windows, are simply unattractive, which is bad news for prospective buyers.

However, those who live nearby are worried about their safety.

Thomas Hicks lives in West Davenport, and said a lot has changed in his neighborhood over the past 30 years.

“All the houses were in better shape, and people were friendlier. Now, since everybody moved out, all the houses are starting to deteriorate really badly,” said Hicks.

There were two abandoned houses just down the street from Hicks’ home.

Besides some obvious neglect,

The house was also completely open, and with just a tap on the door, anyone could get inside.

Davenport Police Charles Lee said condemned properties are a major problem.

“They can be a source of criminal activity, maybe gambling, drug dealing, and assaults,” said Lee.

Lee admits to keeping a closer eye on certain areas,

“It adds to our concerns for what’s taking place in these neighborhoods.”

And police aren’t the only ones on the lookout.

“I see a lot people walking up and down the street at night, and their looking up at the houses,” Hicks said.

The homes will either be demolished in alphabetical order by street name or if the condition of the home is severe enough to tear down immediately.